concepts
type: Collection
type: ConceptGroup
member: soft law

public policy
type: Concept
narrower: soft law

soft law
type: Concept
broader: public policy
definition: Although law is often thought of as binding on those to whom it applies, and sanctions are associated with breaking the law, some legal rules are voluntary and not coercive. Particularly in international law, legal rules are not legally binding, and legal sanctions cannot be used in cases of noncompliance. [Source: International Encyclopedia of Political Science; Soft Law]